Texas has long been considered one of the more progressive states when it comes to homeschooling, and it has a rich history of protecting and upholding the rights of parents to educate their children in the manner of their choosing. The Texas Homeschool Law is comprehensive and covers many different aspects, from school records and testing to health and safety.
Below are fifteen questions about the Texas Homeschool Law, with detailed answers.
1. When Was the Texas Homeschool Law Passed?
The Texas Homeschool Law was passed in 1995 with the passage of HB 140 This bill established the guidelines for parents, outlining the obligation of educators to provide instruction in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.
2. Who Sponsored the Texas Homeschool Law?
The Texas Home School Coalition, a statewide organization that works to protect the right of parents to homeschool their children, was the primary sponsor and advocate for the passage of the Texas Homeschool Law. The organization has been in existence since 1982 and provides legal assistance and counsel to families who choose to homeschool.
3. What Does the Texas Homeschool Law Say About Instruction and Evaluation?
The Texas Homeschool Law states that all instruction must be provided in the subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. Every school year, parents are required to maintain a record of instruction, which includes a log of attendance, a list of instructional materials, and dates when instruction was given in each subject.
The Texas Home School Coalition encourages parents to keep additional records, including evaluations and assessments of their children’s progress.
4. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Standardized Testing?
The Texas Homeschool Law does not require standardized testing, but it does require homeschooled students to complete a full year of educational instruction and a portfolio of assessment results must be maintained. Parents are also encouraged to maintain records of assessments and evaluations of their child’s progress.
5. Is there a Minimum Age to Homeschool in Texas?
No, there is no minimum age to homeschool in Texas. The Texas Homeschool Law does not set a minimum age for when a child can begin homeschooling, but parents should consult with local authorities if they are considering homeschooling a child under the age of five.
6. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Immunizations?
Yes, the Texas Homeschool Law does require immunizations. Texas law requires all homeschooled children to be immunized in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services’s Recommended Immunization Schedule. Parents may also seek an exemption from vaccination if they choose, but should consult their local health department for guidance.
7. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Physical Education?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not require physical education. Parents may choose to include physical education in their homeschool program, but it is not mandated by the law.
8. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Allow for Participation in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, the Texas Homeschool Law allows for students to participate in extracurricular activities at both public and private schools. Homeschooled students may also participate in homeschool extracurricular groups and activities, such as sporting events, choirs, and theater events.
9. Is Field Trips a Requirement of the Texas Homeschool Law?
No, field trips are not a requirement of the Texas Homeschool Law. While field trips can be an important part of a homeschool curriculum and many parents use them to supplement their children’s learning, they are not a legal requirement.
10. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Homeschoolers to be Licensed?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not require home educators to be licensed. Texas does not require parents to have any specific qualifications to homeschool and there are no mandatory workshops or classes that must be completed before parents can begin homeschooling.
11. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require a Curriculum?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not require a specific curriculum to be used by homeschooling families. Parents are free to choose whatever materials and resources they feel are most appropriate for their children.
12. Is there a Limit on the Number of Hours Per Week Homeschoolers can be in Sessions?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not limit the amount of time that students can spend in home school sessions. The law does require that instruction be provided in the subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship, but parents are free to structure their homeschool curriculum however they see fit.
13. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Local School District Approval?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not require local school district approval. Homeschooled students are not part of the public school system and therefore are not subject to any of its regulations.
14. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Homeschoolers to Report to the School District?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not require homeschoolers to report to the school district. Homeschooled students are not part of the public school system and therefore are not subject to any of its regulations.
15. Does the Texas Homeschool Law Require Homeschoolers to be Monitored?
No, the Texas Homeschool Law does not require homeschoolers to be monitored. Parents have full responsibility for instructing and evaluating their children, and the accountability rests solely with the parents.
Conclusion
The Texas Homeschool Law is a comprehensive and thoughtful legal framework that provides parents with the protections they need to confidently and safely educate their children as they choose. With detailed instruction requirements and guidelines for evaluation and assessment, the law offers peace of mind to homeschooling families while providing them with the flexibility they need. Whether a parent is considering homeschooling their child or they have been homeschooling for years, the Texas Homeschool Law is essential reading.